For the entire month of December, you can get the gift of free yoga to help cope with holiday stress. Karen "Karma" McKnight will be leading free hour-long YogaBall classes at CharizYa Fitness. Classes are scheduled for Mondays at 2 p.m. , Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. There are no strings attached, although you will have a ball.

“The stability ball is a prop which allows you to get into or intensify a yoga pose,”

says McKnight. “Using it engages and strengthens deep core muscles that can sometimes be missed.”

No prior yoga experience is necessary for this class as it is appropriate for all fitness levels. There are only 12 balls available, so it is recommended that guests bring their own. Balls can be found at Target or Wal-mart for under $20. Mckinght says bending back or forward over the ball provides blissful relaxation, refreshes your blood flow, relieving tense muscles and nerves. There is also a sense of playfulness and pure joy in the practice.

“YogaBall is a great way to improve your breathing and posture as well as provide a deep massage and promote the best sleep of your life!”

McKnight has been a certified yoga instructor for 8 years. She currently also teaches at the Catholic Enrichment Center and The Jewish Community Center, where she conducts a weekly YogaBall class. Find out more about her at this web site.

You don't have to worry if you get hooked on the Yogaball classes. The class will continue for a fee in 2012, providing a great way to keep up with your new year's resolutions.CharizYa Fitness is located in the upstairs of St. Matthews Station, which is on the corner of Shelbyville Rd and Breckenridge Lane (3900 Shelbyville Road).

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Jessica Lynn has been writing for Louisville.com since fall of 2010 and has also been published in LEO, Velocity, Voice-Tribune and others after serving as Editor in Chief of The JCC student newspaper, The Quadrangle. She has also served as columnist or contributing writer to an array of online publications.